CN106998813B

CN106998813B - Disposable cartridge for electronic nicotine delivery system

Info

Publication number: CN106998813B
Application number: CN201580062347.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·奥尔瑟佩; I·J·宾德; D·A·麦克莱奥德; L·克雷泊瑞斯; S·M·***; J·努德斯特伦; A·伯尼斯库
Original assignee: McNeil AB
Current assignee: McNeil AB
Priority date: 2014-11-17
Filing date: 2015-11-17
Publication date: 2020-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-17
Also published as: RU2017121110A; US10791768B2; US20190150514A1; ZA201704115B; IL251941B; RU2017121110A3; JP2017533726A; US20200107586A1; US20170367407A1; BR112017010106A2; US10531692B2; MX2017006381A; RU2692831C2; WO2016079152A1; CA2967900A1; JP6710684B2; IL251941A0; US10226076B2; CN106998813A; EP3220759A1

Abstract

A novel disposable cartridge for an electronic nicotine delivery system having an electric heater, the disposable cartridge comprising a reservoir having a nicotine-containing liquid; a port in liquid communication with the reservoir; a liquid barrier disposed proximate the port to prevent undesired leakage of nicotine-containing liquid from the reservoir; and a durable elongate wick arranged and configured to be slidable in the port and to contact the nicotine-containing liquid in the reservoir.

Description

Disposable cartridge for electronic nicotine delivery system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for delivering nicotine aerosols to humans, components thereof and methods of using the system. In particular, the present invention relates to disposable sleeves for such systems and kits comprising such disposable sleeves.

Description of the Prior Art

Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) appeared in 2003 and has evolved into widespread worldwide use ("Electronic Nicotine Delivery system: International Tobacco Control Four-kingdom research Systems: International Tobacco Control Four-county Survey", U.S. journal of preventive medicine: (American journal of preventive medicine)American Journal of Preventive Medicine) Volume 44, No. 3, page 207-page 215 (3 months in 2013)). These systems replace conventional smoking articles that involve the combustion of tobacco or other smokable material. ENDS generally involves the vaporization and/or aerosolization of nicotine, typically by heating a nicotine-containing liquid to simulate conventional smoking without burning and without producing tar and some of the more hazardous by-products of conventional smoking articles.

Some inexpensive products, known as electronic cigarettes, deliver nicotine-containing liquids to heaters via fabrics saturated with the liquid (Rose et al, U.S. patent application publication US2012/0255567a 1). Other devices provide a disposable cartridge for the liquid (european patent application publication EP 2113178 a1 by Philip Morris Products s.a.). In some such products, the liquid saturates the sponge material, which helps to transport it to the heater. Other systems incorporate an inexpensive fiberglass bundle wick to transport liquid from the heater (european patent application publication EP 2606756 a1 by philips morris products). The wick itself is typically integrated with an electric heater (U.S. patent application publication US2013/0192615 a1 to Tucker et al). Thus, the liquid, wick and heater are all elements of the disposable cartridge. The combination of the wick and heater in the disposable sleeve tends to result in low cost, bare wire heater wrapped around the wick minimizing the cost of the disposable components.

Electronic cigarette technology has been attempted for use in actual smoking cessation programs and/or nicotine replacement therapies. Examples of such uses are disclosed in Rose et al, U.S. patent application publication US2012/0255567a 1; and U.S. patent application publication US2013/0340775a1 to Juster et al; and U.S. patent application publication US2014/0144429a1 to Wensley et al.

Disclosure of Invention

Surprisingly, we have found a novel disposable cartridge for an electronic nicotine delivery system having an electric heater. The disposable cartridge includes a reservoir having a nicotine-containing liquid; a port in liquid communication with the reservoir; a liquid barrier disposed proximate the port to prevent undesired leakage of nicotine-containing liquid from the reservoir; and a durable elongate wick arranged and configured to be slidable in the port and to contact the nicotine-containing liquid in the reservoir.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a kit for an electronic nicotine delivery system having an electric heater. The kit includes a disposable cartridge and a durable elongated wick. The disposable cartridge has a reservoir containing a nicotine-containing liquid; a port in liquid communication with the reservoir; and a liquid barrier disposed proximate the port to prevent undesired leakage of the nicotine-containing liquid from the reservoir. The durable elongate wick is slidably insertable into the port to breach the liquid barrier to allow liquid interaction between the solid, elongate wick and nicotine-containing liquid in the reservoir.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled electronic nicotine delivery system ("ENDS") according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a longitudinal cross-section of the ENDS of FIG. 1 with the sleeve aligned for insertion into the housing.

FIG. 2B is a longitudinal cross-section of the assembled ENDS of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a disposable cartridge that may be used in the ENDS of FIG. 1.

Fig. 4A to 4G are schematic views of the movement of air through the ENDS, the formation of nicotine aerosol and the movement of aerosol towards the nozzle of the ENDS.

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-section of an electric heater and substrate that may be used in the ENDS of the present invention.

Fig. 5B is an end view of the electric heater and substrate of fig. 5A.

Fig. 5C is a top view of the electric heater and substrate of fig. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a schematic illustration of a green ceramic substrate that may be used in the formation of an electric heater of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a multilayer green ceramic heater element formed from the substrate of FIG. 6A.

Fig. 7 is a cross-section of the disposable cartridge of fig. 3 prior to insertion of the elongated wick into the reservoir.

Fig. 8 is a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of a disposable cartridge similar to that of fig. 3, prior to insertion of the elongated wick into the reservoir.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the disposable cartridge of fig. 8.

Fig. 10A is a perspective view of an elongated wick that can be used in the practice of the present invention.

Figure 10B is a cross-section of the elongated wick of figure 10A.

Fig. 10C is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-section of fig. 10B.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a multilayer green ceramic heater element formed around a ceramic wick mandrel.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the ENDS of the present invention.

Fig. 12B-12E are cross-sections of the ENDS and container of fig. 12A during loading of the disposable cartridge into the receptacle of the ENDS housing.

Fig. 13A to 13C are cross-sections of the ENDS and the container during unloading of the disposable cartridge from the receptacle of the ENDS housing.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an alternative multi-chambered container.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an alternative ENDS.

FIG. 15B is a cross section of the nozzle and disposable cartridge of the ENDS of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an alternative ENDS.

FIG. 16B is a cross section of the nozzle and disposable cartridge of the ENDS of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an alternative ENDS.

FIG. 17B is a cross section of the nozzle and disposable cartridge of the ENDS of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of an alternative ENDS.

FIG. 18B is a cross section of the nozzle and disposable cartridge of the ENDS of FIG. 18A.

Detailed Description

A more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

As used herein the specification and claims, the term "non-porous" and variations thereof relate to solid physical structures capable of interacting with liquids without passing such liquids into the solid structures. This may be achieved, for example, with a solid structure that is simply void of pores to allow liquid to enter or by modifying the surface of an otherwise porous structure with an impermeable coating material or surface treatment that substantially closes the surface pores. Substantially all fluid transport along such a structure occurs on the outer surface of the structure, not through the structure itself.

As used herein the specification and claims, the term "thermal degradation" and variations thereof relate to damage or destruction in the presence of elevated temperatures. This includes burning, charring, melting, deformation, destruction, outgassing of toxic or other hazardous materials, and the like.

As used herein the specification and claims, the term "durable" and variations thereof relate to the ability of a structure to resist damage, wear, brittleness, twisting, bending, and/or breaking while being subjected to friction during sliding movement along adjacent structures and into an interference fit.

Referring to fig. 1-3, an electronic nicotine delivery system ("ENDS") 10 includes a power source 12 and an electric heater 14 housed within a housing 16. The housing 16 has at least one air inlet 17 and provides a receptacle 18 for a disposable cartridge 20 that is in close proximity to the electric heater 14. The disposable cartridge 20 preferably comprises a reservoir 22 containing a nicotine solution and a mouthpiece 24 having an outlet 25 for drawing nicotine aerosol from the ENDS 10. At least when assembled, the housing 16, the electric heater 14 and the sleeve 20 cooperate to form an evaporation chamber 26. The assembled ENDS10 also provides a predetermined flow of air from the at least one air inlet through the vaporization chamber 26, the outlet conduit 28 to the outlet 25 of the mouthpiece 24 to allow a user to inhale the nicotine aerosol formed therein. In addition, the assembled ENDS10 provides a liquid conduit, preferably an elongated wick 30, from the reservoir 22 to the electric heater 14. The housing 16 may also provide connectivity to an external power source and/or data communications, such as a USB port 32, to supply and/or re-supply the internal power source 12, preferably a rechargeable battery.

The internal power source 12 is sufficient to power the electric heater 14, a programmable controller (not shown), and any desired feedback to a user (e.g., light 33), an external computer, or a network. The programmable controller receives information from the pressure sensor 34 (detecting inhalation by the user) and possibly other sensors, such as temperature sensors, to control the power delivered to the electric heater 14 and optionally one or more over-temperature sensors, which may terminate power to the electric heater 14 to prevent undesired and/or dangerous thermal events. The programmable controller may provide data collection, storage, and communication with an external computer. This may be communicated through a wired connection or a wireless connection. The internal power source 12 may be any suitable portable power source 12.

The electric heater 14 is mounted on the substrate 36 to isolate the resistive heater element from other thermally sensitive components of the ENDS 10. The electric heater 14 includes at least one resistive heater element contained within a heat diffusion material. The diffusion of heat through the heat diffusion material generally eliminates the heat distribution generated by the one or more heating elements to prevent the formation of localized hot spots on the surface of the electric heater 14.

As indicated above, the disposable cartridge 20 preferably includes a reservoir 22 containing a nicotine solution and a nozzle 24 for drawing a nicotine aerosol from the ENDS 10. In addition, the assembled ENDS10 provides a liquid conduit from the reservoir 22 to the electric heater 14. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid conduit is an elongated wick 30 extending from the reservoir 22 to the electric heater 14. The elongate wick 30 is in intimate contact with the surface of the electric heater 14 to enable thermal energy to vaporise the nicotine solution delivered thereto by the elongate wick 30. As the nicotine solution is vaporized, the elongate wick 30 transports additional nicotine solution through the capillary tube to the electric heater 14.

The assembled ENDS10 also provides an evaporation chamber 26 proximate to the electric heater 14. In the vaporization chamber 26, the electric heater 14 vaporizes the nicotine solution delivered by the elongate wick 30, and the vaporized nicotine solution therein combines with outside air drawn in through the one or more air intake ports 17 to form a nicotine aerosol. The vaporization chamber 26 also communicates with the outlet 25 of the mouthpiece 24 via at least one outlet conduit 28 in the disposable cartridge 20 to allow the user to draw the nicotine aerosol into his or her mouth.

Fig. 4A to 4G show one example of air flow through the ENDS 10. These drawings schematically illustrate the process, but are not intended to limit the actual location of all elements disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 4A, when a user draws air from the nozzle, the negative pressure causes air to flow into the assembled ENDS 10. Specifically, air is drawn from the evaporation chamber 26 through the outlet conduit 28, reducing the air pressure in the chamber 26. The extracted air (indicated by arrows 38) is replaced via the air inlet through one or more holes 17 in the housing 16 proximate the evaporation chamber 26 (fig. 4B). Intake air is indicated by arrow 39. The reduced air pressure within the chamber 26 is sensed by a pressure sensor 34 disposed proximate a substrate 36 outside of the vaporization chamber 26 via a pressure equalization port 40. As shown in fig. 4C, equalization of pressure through the pressure equalization port 40 distorts the isolation diaphragm 42 to reduce the air pressure proximate the pressure sensor 34, thereby activating the operatively coupled switch using the pressure sensor 34. The pressure sensor 34 activates the electric heater 14, which in turn heats the nicotine solution that is in contact with the wick 30 on its surface. The nicotine solution is vaporized in the vaporization chamber 26 and combined with air to form a nicotine aerosol 44 (shown in figure 4D). Nicotine aerosol 44 is evacuated from vaporization chamber 26 through outlet conduit 28 and delivered to mouthpiece 24 and ultimately to the user's mouth (fig. 4D). As the nicotine solution evaporates, additional solution is drawn from the reservoir 22 along the wick 30 to the electric heater 14 as indicated by nicotine solution delivery arrows 46. The volume of nicotine solution removed from the reservoir 22 is replaced by air 48 (indicated by arrows) drawn through the inner bore 50 of the wick 30 (fig. 4E), described in further detail below. In one embodiment, after a predetermined time (e.g., as determined by a programmable controller), power to the electric heater 14 is terminated, the vaporization chamber 26 is cooled, and no further nicotine aerosol is formed (fig. 4F). The user will then stop using the ENDS10 and end his/her "treatment" (fig. 4G). Alternatively, the user may stop utilizing the device before the predetermined time. In such a case, the pressure in the vaporization chamber 26 will return to atmospheric pressure, the isolation membrane 42 will relax, and the pressure sensor 34 will signal the switch to terminate power to the electric heater 14.

The disposable cartridge 20 has a number of features to increase system safety. In one embodiment, the disposable cartridge 20 is securely locked into the housing 16 in a manner that is not easily removed by hand; removal from the housing 16 requires interaction with a receptacle (described in more detail below) of the disposable cartridge 20. In another embodiment, the disposable cartridge 20 is not easily refilled with another liquid. In another embodiment, the unused disposable cartridge 20 is locked in the container until use; removal from the container requires interaction with the empty ENDS10 housing 16. Thus, the disposable cartridge 20 is secured by the ENDS10 for use or a container for storage and/or disposal (described in more detail below). This greatly reduces the likelihood of accidental exposure of the nicotine solution to the environment and/or children because the design significantly reduces the ability to access the nicotine solution contained in the disposable cartridge 20. This is essentially through the use of ENDS10 and the conversion of nicotine solution to aerosol. When the sleeve is secured in the ENDS10 and/or the container containing the disposable sleeve 20, it is difficult to otherwise access the liquid contents.

The ENDS10 may be used with accessories such as a charging case, which may include additional power sources and electronics.

Shell body：

The housing 16 may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, it comprises one or more hard heat resistant materials. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of these materials, or ceramics. The plastic may comprise a thermoplastic suitable for use in food or pharmaceutical applications, for example, polypropylene, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and not brittle. The housing 16 may be manufactured by injection molding or any other suitable technique, and it is preferably ergonomic and adapted to fit comfortably in a user's hand. In one embodiment, the housing 16 may have a maximum length dimension of up to about 20cm and a maximum dimension perpendicular to the length of up to about 10 cm.

Power source：

The internal power source 12 is sized to provide sufficient power for the electric heater 14 that vaporizes the nicotine solution and any other electronic controls housed in the assembled ENDS 10. It is preferably replaceable and/or rechargeable and may include means such as a capacitor, or more preferably a battery. In a presently preferred embodiment, the power source 12 is a replaceable and/or rechargeable battery, although it may include a fast discharge capacitor power source 12 that is charged by one or more battery cells. The characteristics required for power source 12 are selected based on the characteristics of all components in ENDS 10. Preferred rechargeable battery cells include, but are not limited to, lithium-based cells (including lithium polymer batteries). One example of the internal power source 12 is a lithium polymer cell that provides a voltage of about 3.4V, which has a capacity of at least about 200 milliamp hours (mAh).

The internal power source 12 is preferably in electrical communication with a coupler, such as a USB port 32, for connectivity with an external power source. However, the preferred system prevents the user from using ENDS when charging the device. The coupler may also provide information transfer between an internal process controller and an external network and or computing devices including, but not limited to, a smart charging box, a smart phone, a portable computing device, a desktop computer, or the internet or other local and/or wide area networks.

Electronic device：

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 4A-4G, a pressure switch/sensor 34 in the electronic control circuit is configured to detect air draw through the ENDS10, particularly through the vaporization chamber 26, and the circuit between the internal power source 12 and the electric heater 14 is closed. The process controller controls the amount of voltage/current delivered to the electric heater 14. The amount of heat output by the electric heater 14 is sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the nicotine solution, which is then drawn by the user as a nicotine aerosol. When the user stops drawing air through the nozzle 24 and air outlet, the pressure sensor 34 detects the lack of air flow (or pressure drop) in the evaporation chamber 26, and the circuit between the internal power source 12 and the electric heater 14 is opened (e.g., directly by the pressure sensor 34 or in response to receiving instructions from a process controller) with or without a delay circuit built into the control. Manually switching or activating power source 12 is also an option.

In one embodiment, the process controller, when used by a user, may be a microchip or a controller that operates as needed. Thus, the process controller may receive readings from the switch/sensor 34 and may cause the voltage/current supplied to the electric heater 14 as a function of such readings. The switch/sensor 34 may be a switch, a sensor, or a combination of switches and sensors. For example, the switch/sensor 34 may include an electronic airflow sensor that senses when a user utilizes the ENDS 10. Additionally, the switch/sensor 34 may include a timing switch that opens the circuit between the internal power source 12 and the electric heater 14 after the circuit has been closed for a threshold amount of time. There are a variety of switches and sensors that can be used to detect air flow and/or pressure that can be used to activate the heating element.

Additionally, signaling elements such as lights (e.g., signal lights 33), sounds, and/or scents may be included in and/or controlled by the electronic control circuit.

Electric heater：

In one embodiment, the electric heater 14 includes a substrate 36 and the electric heater 14. The substrate 36 operates as a mounting surface for the electric heater 14 and as a thermal barrier between the vaporization chamber 26 and other housing 16 components, such as the controller/control circuitry and/or the internal power source 12. As shown in fig. 5A, the substrate 36 may provide one or more air passages (e.g., the pressure equalization port 40 and the intake passage 52). The substrate 36 also provides one or more paths for electrical conductors to connect the electric heater 14 to the internal power source 12.

Generally, the substrate can be prepared using any material that can be processed or, more preferably, can be molded into a desired shape and can withstand the chemical degradation and high temperatures (e.g., in excess of 150 ℃ or even 200 ℃) of the liquids used in the system. Preferred materials include, but are not limited to, thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, and ceramics. Particularly preferred materials include ceramics and heat resistant thermoplastic polymers. A representative, non-limiting list of useful heat resistant thermoplastic polymers includes liquid crystal polymers ("LCP"), Polyetheretherketones (PEEK), Polyetherimides (PEI), polyphenylene sulfides (PPS), fluoropolymers, polyimides, Polyamideimides (PAI), High Performance Polyamides (HPPA), Polyimides (PI), polyketones, polysulfone derivatives, polycyclohexane dimethylterephthalate (PCT), fluoropolymers, Polyetherimides (PEI), Polybenzimidazoles (PBI), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), syndiotactic polystyrene, acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers (e.g., of Velox, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg)

Resin), and the like.

The electric heater 14 comprises a resistive heater element substantially encapsulated in a substantially non-porous ceramic material, a heat diffusion material. The non-porous nature of the ceramic material encasing the heater element substantially eliminates direct contact between the nicotine solution and the resistive heater element. This minimizes the formation of localized hot spots on the surface of the electric heater 14 that is in contact with the nicotine solution. This reduces the likelihood of overheating both the components of the nicotine solution and the elongate wick 30. In practice, this allows the use of wicks that do not work in direct contact with metals, resistive heating elements such as tungsten and/or copper wires. Many commercial devices employ tows of glass fibers as wicks, and these wicks are wrapped with bare metal wire. Examples described in the patent literature include european patent application publication EP 2606756 a1 by philips morris products corporation; and U.S. patent application publication US2013/0192615 a1 to Tucker et al. In contrast, as described below, the present invention allows for the use of polymeric wicks, even extruded wicks formed of substantially non-porous, durable, thermoplastic materials.

In a preferred embodiment, the electric heater 14 includes a resistive heater element formed of a resistive material encapsulated in a substantially non-porous ceramic material. The resistive material may be deposited (e.g., printed, sprayed, coated, etc.) in the form of a line, sheet, foil or film, continuous or patterned coating, etc. on or formed on the ceramic material that is further processed to encapsulate (and fuse, as appropriate) the resistive material in the ceramic material.

Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" electroceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made from ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, alloys containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, and iron, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, cobalt, nickel, cobalt, and iron,

Titanium alloys, and iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys.

In one embodiment, the resistive material may take the form of a metal etched foil (or film) encapsulated between two layers of inert heat diffusing material. In this case, the inert material may include

Polyimide or mica foil. The etched foil may comprise a metal sheet cut by a laser or by an electrochemical process and shaped into a desired pattern. The sheet may be rectangular in shape, or may have a patterned shape that may form a coiled structure when rolled around the capillary wick 30. Other alternatives include heating wires or filaments, for example, Ni-Cr, platinum, tungsten or alloy wires embedded in a ceramic material.

In one preferred embodiment shown in fig. 6A-6B, the electrical heater 14 employs a tungsten doped material as the resistive material 54 formed on a green (unfired) ceramic substrate 56. Preferably, the material is printed or coated onto a green ceramic substrate. The preferred green ceramic substrate 56 is formed with a pattern of macro-openings 58 formed therein. The trace of resistive material 54 is deposited in a continuous path over a portion of the green ceramic substrate 56 that begins and ends at one edge 60 of the green ceramic substrate 56. The green ceramic substrates 56 are then wound (in the direction indicated by arrow 63) about a cylindrical mandrel 62 to form a green ceramic heater element 64 having an open end 66 formed by three layers of the green ceramic substrates 56, wherein each layer of the green ceramic substrates 56 overlies the preceding layer, wherein the open pores 58 are substantially indexed to provide continuous macro-open pores from an outer surface 68 of the green ceramic heater element 64 to a resulting internal pore 70 thereof. The resistive material 54 is encapsulated within the layers of the green ceramic heater element 64 and two electrical tabs 72 are provided to make electrical contact with the ends of the resistive material 54. These tabs are then available for electrical connection through the substrate 36, as described above. The green ceramic heater elements 64 are then fired (heated to a very high temperature to fuse the ceramic materials) to form the electrical heater 14, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In an alternative embodiment, the macro-apertures 58 may be formed after the green ceramic substrate 56 is wound around the mandrel 62.

More generally, the electric heater has a body formed by at least one sidewall defining a length, an interior void, at least one interior surface (e.g., inner bore 70), at least one exterior surface (e.g., outer surface 68), and a plurality of apertures 58 through the at least one sidewall and/or between adjacent sidewalls connecting the interior surface 70 and the exterior surface 68. Thus, nicotine vapor can exit the heater/wick combination from the inner bore 70 through the macro-apertures 58 into the volume of the vaporization chamber 26.

The electric heater may take many shapes that provide inwardly or outwardly directed surfaces. For example, a simple tubular structure has been described. Other tubular structures may include those having circular, elliptical, polygonal, and other closed cross-sections. Alternative forms of heaters may include channel heaters having open walls to provide a "c", "u", "v" cross-section or other open channel configuration. Alternatively, the body may be formed from a plurality of fingers that each provide a side wall, and the side walls collectively define an interior void.

In addition, the maximum dimension perpendicular to the length of the electric heater (e.g., the diameter of the tubular electric heater) can be varied to provide a conical or frustoconical shape or other similar socket shape to receive or retain the wick in intimate contact with the inwardly directed surface.

Sleeve barrel：

As indicated above, the housing 16 provides a receptacle 18 for a disposable cartridge 20 proximate the electric heater 14, and the disposable cartridge 20 includes a reservoir 22 containing a nicotine solution. Although the following description refers to nicotine solutions, other vapor-forming solutions may also be used in the device of the present invention.

Generally, the nicotine solution comprises at least water, propylene glycol and/or glycerin, and a combination of nicotine. In some cases, the solution may comprise about 2% to about 10% by weight nicotine, about 0% to about 30% by weight water, about 65% to about 95% by weight propylene glycol and/or a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin. These solutions have a boiling point between about 105 ℃ and about 150 ℃, a viscosity between about 10,000mPas (millipascals) and about 60,000 mPas. In one embodiment, the nicotine solution comprises at least 12% by weight water, at least 70% by weight propylene glycol; and at least 2% by weight of nicotine or a salt of nicotine. In one embodiment, the liquid formulation comprises at least 15 wt% water, such as at least 20 wt% water. In one embodiment, the liquid formulation comprises at least 75% by weight propylene glycol, such as at least 80% by weight propylene glycol, such as at least 85% by weight propylene glycol.

As shown in fig. 7, the reservoir 22 includes at least one port 74 from which nicotine solution may be drawn and directed to the vaporization chamber 26 in the assembled ENDS 10. Prior to use, however, a liquid barrier or seal, such as a barrier membrane (barrier membrane)76, is provided to prevent leakage of the solution through the port 74. In embodiments in which the elongated wick 30 is incorporated into the disposable sleeve 20, the elongated wick 30 can remain, such as slidably fit, in the port 74 adjacent the barrier membrane 76, and during locking of the disposable sleeve 20 into the receptacle 18, the elongated wick 30 can be slid further into the reservoir 22 to rupture the barrier membrane 76, thereby providing a liquid conduit from the reservoir 22 to the electric heater 14. The penetration of the wick 30 into the reservoir 22 may be limited by a stopper 77 (shown in fig. 3 and 7). In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the liquid barrier may be a seal or plug disposed about the distal end of the wick disposed in the port 74. In embodiments where the elongated wick 30 extends from the electric heater 14, during locking of the disposable sleeve 20 into the receptacle 18, the wick 30 will slide into the port 74 and rupture the barrier membrane 76 or break the seal at or near the port 74. In an alternative embodiment where the wick is part of a replacement kit for the ENDS, the wick may be packaged with a disposable cartridge and inserted into the port 74 prior to securing the disposable cartridge to the receptacle of the housing.

As the nicotine solution is withdrawn from the reservoir 22, an equal volume of air is allowed to enter the reservoir 22. This replacement air may be provided by one or more vents (such as the inner bore 50 of the wick 30) or other reservoir venting techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The disposable cartridge 20 also includes at least one air passage (outlet conduit 28) between the vaporization chamber 26 and the nozzle 24 to allow the user to draw the nicotine aerosol into his or her mouth. The outlet conduit 28 may have a substantially constant cross-section, or the cross-section may vary along its length. In a preferred arrangement, the cross-sectional area of the outlet conduit 28 decreases away from the evaporation chamber 26. The nozzle 24 is preferably disposed at a portion of the disposable cartridge 20 distal to the vaporization chamber 26.

While the embodiments of fig. 1-7 are effective, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a more symmetric air flow around the heater may improve particle size distribution and reduce the likelihood of condensation in the evaporation chamber. Thus, more than one outlet conduit may be employed, or the outlet conduits may be in the form of an annulus. Preferably, there are at least two outlet conduits (as shown in fig. 8 and 9), the disposable cartridge 20 'includes two air passages (outlet conduits 28') between the vaporization chamber 26 'and the mouthpiece 24' to allow the user to draw the nicotine aerosol into his or her mouth. Likewise, the two outlet conduits 28' may have a substantially constant cross-section, or the cross-section may vary along their length. As above, the cross-sectional area of the outlet conduit 28 'may decrease away from the evaporation chamber 26'. The nozzle 24 ' is preferably provided at a portion of the disposable cartridge 20 ' distal to the evaporation chamber 26 '. In summary, the disposable cartridge includes at least one outlet conduit (outlet conduit 28 in fig. 3 and 7). More preferably, the disposable cartridge may incorporate two outlet conduits (outlet conduits 28' in fig. 8 and 9). Even more preferably, the disposable cartridge incorporates 2 to 8 outlet conduits to improve the symmetry of the air flow through or out of the evaporation chamber.

In addition, as shown in fig. 8 and 9, the outlet duct 28' may have a cross-section decreasing towards the nozzle. While not intending to be bound by this theory, it is believed that the tapered outlet conduit may provide increased velocity as aerosol is drawn from the ENDS. This increased velocity may reduce the likelihood of condensation depositing in the sleeve or nozzle. The tapered outlet conduit may also provide compression to maintain the temperature of the aerosol, thereby minimizing condensation.

In one embodiment, the disposable cartridge 20 has a number of features to increase the safety of the system. As will be described in greater detail below, the disposable cartridge 20 incorporates an embodiment of the feature such that it securely locks into the receiver 18 of the housing 16 in a manually removable manner without damaging the disposable cartridge 20, the housing 16, or preferably both. In addition, the disposable cartridge 20 incorporates features to enable it to be securely locked into the container for disposal before or after use.

Although the sleeve has been described in the context of a nicotine delivery system, alternative active ingredients may be employed in the system, such as drugs to treat asthma, pain and other inhalable therapeutic conditions.

Evaporation chamber：

The evaporation chamber 26 is defined by the disposable cartridge 20, the housing 16 and the elements of the electric heater 14. In particular, the electric heater 14 is functionally located in the center of the evaporation chamber 26. A nicotine-containing vapor is formed at the interface between the electric heater 14 and the nicotine solution and mixed with air to form a nicotine aerosol. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the base plate 36 forms one wall of the vapor chamber 26 and the end 78 of the disposable sleeve 20 forms the opposite wall of the vapor chamber 26. The remaining walls of the vapor chamber 26 are formed by the housing 26. At least one and preferably a plurality of apertures 17 are formed in the housing 16 proximate the evaporation chamber 26. In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 5, the gas holes 17 communicate with the gas inlet passage 52 in the substrate 36 via a manifold (shown as an annular passage 80), the substrate 36 being angled to the longitudinal axis of the evaporation chamber 26 to create a circular gas flow or vortex (shown by arrow 81 in fig. 5B) around the electric heater 14 in the evaporation chamber 26. These intake passages 52 provide a plurality of evaporation chamber intake opening 53. It is believed that this improves the mixing of the nicotine vapour and the inlet air to form a more uniform nicotine aerosol which can be drawn through the vaporising chamber outlet conduit 28 and into the mouthpiece 24.

While the above description refers to providing a swirling flow around the heater, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative air flows are possible and may be selected for different desired properties.

In general, can be usedThe components of the vaporization chamber are fabricated or, more preferably, any material that can be molded into a desired shape and can withstand the chemical degradation and high temperatures of the liquids used in the system. Preferred materials include, but are not limited to, thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, and ceramics. Particularly preferred materials include ceramics and heat resistant thermoplastic polymers. A representative, non-limiting list of useful heat resistant thermoplastic polymers includes liquid crystal polymers ("LCP"), Polyetheretherketones (PEEK), Polyetherimides (PEI), polyphenylene sulfides (PPS), fluoropolymers, polyimides, Polyamideimides (PAI), High Performance Polyamides (HPPA), Polyimides (PI), polyketones, polysulfone derivatives, polycyclohexane dimethyl terephthalate (PCT), fluoropolymers, Polyetherimides (PEI), Polybenzimidazoles (PBI), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), syndiotactic polystyrene, acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers (e.g., those of Velox, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg)

Resin), and the like.

Suction core：

In addition, the assembled ENDS10 provides a liquid conduit from the reservoir 22 to the electric heater 14. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid conduit is an elongated wick 30 extending from the reservoir 22 to the electric heater 14. The elongate wick 30 is in intimate contact with the surface of the electric heater 14 so that the thermal energy provided by the resistive heater element can vaporise the nicotine solution delivered to it by the elongate wick 30. As the nicotine solution is vaporized, the elongate wick 30 transports additional nicotine solution through the capillary tube to the electric heater 14.

In a preferred embodiment shown in fig. 3, the elongated wick 30 is a component of the disposable sleeve 20 and is formed of a substantially non-porous durable thermoplastic material. The wick 30 structure can be inserted into the internal bore 70 of the open, cylindrical electric heater 14 to create intimate contact between the outer surface of the elongated wick 30 and the inner surface of the electric heater 14. Thus, the elongated wick 30 of the present invention is sufficiently rigid and robust to resist damage and significant distortion while moving axially relative to the inner surface of the electric heater and/or relative to the port of the disposable cartridge. Such wicks are preferred over wicks formed from tows of glass fibers currently used in many electronic nicotine devices because such fibers are likely to break in an interference fit with the cylindrical heater element. The broken fiber fragments will be freely entrained in the air stream and may then enter the user's lungs.

An example of this preferred wick structure is shown in fig. 8A-8C as a tubular durable thermoplastic material having a plurality of liquid conducting features, such as longitudinally extending ribs 82 protruding from the outer surface of the wick. This provides a capillary channel between the ribs 82 to conduct nicotine solution from the reservoir 22 to the cylindrical electric heater 14 along the outer surface of the elongate wick 30. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the inner bore 50 of the elongate wick 30 are selected to prevent capillary transport of nicotine solution through the inner bore 50 and to allow air to be drawn into the reservoir 22 to equalize pressure as nicotine solution is removed therefrom (as shown in fig. 4E). Such an elongated wick 30 can be formed by extruding plastic through one or more dies. One preferred form of extrusion involves extruding a central tube and co-extruding the ribs 82 onto the surface of the tube.

The material selected for the wick may be any material that can be made rigid enough to withstand the forces involved in slidably engaging the other components of the ENDS, including the electric heater 14, the disposable sleeve port 74. The material should also be resistant to thermal degradation up to temperatures of at least about 180 ℃. Preferably, the material is resistant to thermal degradation up to a temperature of at least about 200 ℃, and more preferably at least about 250 ℃.

In general, the wick may be prepared using any material that is machinable or, more preferably, moldable into a desired shape and that can withstand the chemical degradation of the liquid used in the system and the high temperatures described above, and preferably has a low thermal conductivity to avoid overheating of the liquid in the reservoir 22. Preferred materials for the elongate wick include thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers and ceramics. Particularly preferred materials include ceramics and heat resistant thermoplastic polymers. Representative of useful heat-resistant thermoplastic polymers,A non-limiting list includes liquid crystal polymers ("LCP"), Polyetheretherketones (PEEK), Polyetherimides (PEI), polyphenylene sulfides (PPS), fluoropolymers, polyimides, Polyamideimides (PAI), High Performance Polyamides (HPPA), Polyimides (PI), polyketones, polysulfone derivatives, Polycyclohexanediterephthalate (PCT), fluoropolymers, Polyetherimides (PEI), Polybenzimidazoles (PBI), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), syndiotactic polystyrene, and the like. Preferred materials include PEEK, PEI, LCP (e.g., from Celanese corporation)

Liquid crystal polymers), and the like.

As can be seen in FIG. 10B, the diameter "d" of the bore 50_i"substantially greater than the spacing" s "between adjacent ribs 82 on the outer surface of the elongate wick 30. The spacing "s" and height "h" of the ribs 82 are selected to effectively deliver nicotine solution in the channels 84 formed between adjacent ribs. The height "h" is measured from the base of the channel 84 between the rib and the outermost tip of the rib. The spacing "s" is measured between adjacent ribs at 90% of the rib height. It will also be appreciated that the transmission characteristics of the channel 84 may be modified as desired by appropriate surface treatment (including coating) to improve the wettability of the surface of the channel by the nicotine solution. The height "h" of the ribs is also determined by the efficiency of heat transfer from the inner bore 70 of the electric heater 14 to the nicotine solution transported by the channel 84, as the inner bore 70 of the electric heater 14 will be in contact with or at least close to the outer ends 86 of the ribs 82 during use. Although the surface of the heater element and the surface of the liquid do not necessarily need to be in contact, we have found that the system allows for a gap between the outer end of the rib and the heater element. Preferably, the gap is less than about 0.3mm, and more preferably, the gap is less than about 0.2 mm. It is believed that the gap between the heater element and nicotine solution is rapidly filled with saturated vapour, and therefore such gaps may conduct heat from the heater surface to the liquid better than dry air gaps.

As indicated above, the inner bore 50 of the elongate wick 30 serves to allow air to enter the reservoir 22 to equalize pressure as the nicotine solution is removed. Unfortunately, in some cases, the inner bore 50 may also provide a potential path for leakage of nicotine solution therethrough, and thus the surface of the inner bore 50 may be treated (by coating or physical surface treatment) to reduce its wettability by nicotine solution. Alternatively, a check valve (not shown) may be used to allow air to enter through the holes 50 and prevent unwanted nicotine solution leakage. In one embodiment, the surface of the heater 14 that contacts the wick 30 is designed to minimize wettability by the nicotine solution so as to reduce the likelihood of leakage of the nicotine solution through the capillary tube along the channel 84 when the heater 14 is not activated, for example, by applying a coating that is not readily wetted by the nicotine solution.

In another alternative embodiment, the central bore 50 may be plugged to prevent leakage of nicotine solution, and an alternative reservoir venting system may be used.

In an alternative embodiment, the elongated wick 30 is associated with the electric heater 14. In this embodiment, the elongated wick 30' may be a ceramic material formed with an electric heater. In practice, a fired ceramic wick 30 'may be used in place of the forming mandrel 62 (fig. 6A), and a green ceramic material may be wound around the elongated wick 30'. The resulting combination of wick 30 'and cylindrical electric heater 14' can be fired together to form the integral wick/heater structure shown in fig. 11. In this embodiment, the distal end of the elongated wick 30 'extends significantly beyond the end of the cylindrical electric heater 14' such that it extends into the reservoir 22 in the disposable cartridge 20 (fig. 7).

In another alternative embodiment, the elongated wick 30 has a substantially non-porous support and a capillary structure on the outer surface of the elongated wick. The non-porous support may be a solid or tubular structure depending on whether it is desired to allow air to vent back into the reservoir.

Container with a lid：

The container 88 may be used to provide critical child-resistant safety measures to one or more of the disposable cartridges 20. In particular, the container 88 securely locks the unused disposable cartridge or cartridges 20 in the package. In addition, the container 88 includes an empty "waste" chamber or chambers that are sized to contain the used disposable cartridge 20. The receptacle 88, the disposable sleeve 20 and the receiver 18 in the housing 16 all cooperate to securely lock the sleeve 20 into the receiver 18 or the receptacle 88. This greatly reduces the likelihood of accidental exposure of the unattached disposable cartridge 20 containing nicotine solution to the environment and/or a child. It is desirable to access the nicotine solution contained in the disposable cartridge 20 by using the ENDS10 and the conversion of the nicotine solution to aerosol. Other access to the liquid contents is difficult, preferably, such as by destroying the ENDS10 and/or the container 88 containing the disposable cartridge 20.

As shown in FIG. 12A, a modified ENDS10 'with an extended receiver sleeve 18' may be used with the specific embodiment of the vessel described below. The steps required to remove the unused disposable sleeve are shown in fig. 12B-12E.

The container 88 includes at least one first chamber 90 having an opening 91 sized to receive an unused disposable cartridge 20 and at least one waste chamber 92 having an opening 93 sized to receive a used disposable cartridge 20. Each unused disposable cartridge 20 is held in the first chamber 90 by a first releasable engagement mechanism and each waste chamber 92 has a second engagement mechanism to secure such a used disposable cartridge 20 after use.

To insert the unused disposable cartridge 20 into the receptacle 18 'of the housing 16' of the ENDS10 ', the extended receptacle 18' is placed over the exposed end of the unused disposable cartridge 20. When the extended receiver 18 'is inserted into the first chamber 90 of the container 88, the outer surface of the extended receiver 18' deflects at least one retaining arm 94 securing the sleeve 20 in the first chamber 90 away from the unused disposable sleeve 20 (fig. 12C). The retaining arm 94 is articulatable between a relaxed position extending toward a central axis of the first chamber 90 (as shown in fig. 12B) and a flexed position disposed away from the central axis of the first chamber 90 (as shown in fig. 12C). An inwardly directed flange 96 disposed within the extended receptacle 18' (distal to the forward end thereof) guides an outwardly biased hook 98 at the exposed end of the unused disposable sleeve 20 inwardly to allow the flange 96 to pass through. Once the flange 96 has passed the hooks 98 of the unused disposable cartridge 20, the hooks return outwardly to securely attach to the flange 96 of the receiver 18 'to form the fully assembled ENDS 10' (FIG. 12D). The fully assembled ENDS 10' can be removed from the first chamber 90 of the container 88 while the retaining arms 94 remain flexed outward to allow the unused disposable cartridge 20 to be removed therefrom.

Once the ENDS 10' has been used and the nicotine solution is consumed, the used disposable cartridge 20 may be secured into the "waste" chamber 92 for disposal. As shown in FIG. 13A, ENDS 10' is aligned with waste chamber 92. The used disposable cartridge 20 can be inserted into the waste chamber 92 and a set of waste chamber retaining arms 100 disposed at the base of the waste chamber 92 secures the used disposable cartridge 20 in the waste chamber 92 by engaging the lip 101 of the nozzle 24 proximate the used disposable cartridge 20 (fig. 13B). A projection 102 provided at the base 104 of the waste chamber 92 also bears on one end of a transfer rod 106 to urge the transfer rod away from the nozzle 24 to engage the outwardly biased hooks 98 at the opposite end of the used disposable cartridge 20 and deflect the outwardly biased hooks inwardly to disengage them from the flange 96 of the receiver 18' on the housing 16 (fig. 13C). With the used disposable cartridge 20 securely locked in the waste chamber 92, the housing 16 'can be removed therefrom (fig. 13C) and the unused disposable cartridge 20 can be coupled to the housing 16' for continued use.

Figure 14 illustrates a preferred multi-chamber container 108 having a plurality of first chambers 90 'closed with closures 110 and a plurality of waste chambers 92'. To access the first chamber 90' to access the unused disposable cartridge, the user will remove the closure 110 from the opening to expose the unused disposable cartridge.

Additional alternative embodiments

The above description has generally been described as a series of embodiments in which a disposable cartridge includes a nozzle, an outlet, and a reservoir, and the heater and evaporation chamber are separated from the outlet by the reservoir. Alternative embodiments may position the heater and evaporation chamber closer to the outlet. Several of these embodiments will be described as follows:

in one embodiment shown in fig. 15A and 15B, the ENDS 1000 includes a housing 1016 having a power source (not shown) and one or more air intakes (not shown); a reusable nozzle 1024 housing the electric heater 1014, the air outlet 1025, and the evaporation chamber 1026; an elongated wick 1030; and a disposable cartridge 1020 containing a reservoir 1022. The reusable nozzle 1024 is removably attached to the housing 1016 to allow the disposable cartridge 1020 to be placed in the ENDS 1000. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ENDS 1000 will require a circuit between the electric heater 1014 (housed in the nozzle 1024) and the power source (housed in the housing 1016). Accordingly, a releasable electrical connection (not shown) is required between the housing 1016 and the nozzle 1024. In this embodiment, the electric heater 1014 is mounted on a base plate 1036, and when assembled, the base plate 1036 is disposed in a facing relationship with the disposable cartridge 1020. Thus, in the assembled ENDS 1000, the wick 1030 extends from the reservoir 1022, through the substrate 1036, and into the electric heater 1014. In use, as described above, inlet air 1039 enters the ENDS 1000 through an inlet port (not shown) and passes through the one or more inner conduits 1041 to the one or more air passages 1052, through the substrate 1036, and into the vaporization chamber 1026 where the inlet air forms the nicotine aerosol 1044. The nicotine aerosol 1044 can then be withdrawn from the air outlet 1025 in the reusable mouthpiece 1024.

In one embodiment shown in fig. 16A and 16B, the ENDS 2000 includes a housing 2016 having a power source (not shown) and one or more air inlets (not shown); a reusable nozzle 2024 housing the electric heater 2014 and the air outlet 2025; an evaporation chamber 2026; an elongated wick 2030; and a disposable cartridge 2020 containing a reservoir 2022. The reusable nozzle 2024 is removably attached to the housing 2016 to allow the disposable cartridge 2020 to be placed in the ENDS 2000. The removable nozzle 2024, disposable sleeve 2020, and base plate 2036 form an evaporation chamber 2026 in the assembled ENDS 2000. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ENDS 2000 will require a circuit between the electric heater 2014 (housed in the nozzle 2024) and the power source (housed in the housing 2016). Accordingly, a releasable electrical connection (not shown) is required between the housing 2016 and the nozzle 2024. In this embodiment, the electric heater 2014 is mounted on the base plate 2036, and when assembled, the electric heater 2014 is disposed in a facing relationship with the disposable cartridge 2020. Thus, in the assembled ENDS 2000, the wick 2030 extends from the reservoir 2022 and into the electric heater 2014. In use, as described above, the intake air 2039 enters the ENDS 2000 through an intake port (not shown) and passes through the one or more inner conduits 2041 to the vaporization chamber 2026 where the intake air forms the nicotine aerosol 2044. The nicotine aerosol 2044 may then be drawn through the base 2036 and the air outlet 2025 in the reusable nozzle 2024 via one or more air passageways (not shown).

In one embodiment shown in fig. 17A and 17B, the ENDS 3000 includes a housing 3016 with a power source (not shown); a reusable nozzle 3024 housing an electric heater 3014, one or more air inlets 3017, an air outlet 3025, and an evaporation chamber 3026; an elongate wick 3030; and a disposable cartridge 3020 containing a reservoir 3022. The reusable nozzle 3024 is removably attached to the housing 3016 to allow the disposable cartridge 3020 to be placed in the ENDS 3000. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ENDS 3000 will require a circuit between the electric heater 3014 (housed in the nozzle 3024) and the power source (housed in the housing 3016). Accordingly, a releasable electrical connection (not shown) is required between the housing 3016 and the nozzle 3024. In this embodiment, the electric heater 3014 is mounted on a substrate 3036, and when assembled, the substrate 3036 is disposed in a facing relationship with the disposable sleeve 3020. Thus, in the assembled ENDS 3000, the wick 3030 extends from the reservoir 3022, through the substrate 3036, and into the electric heater 3014. In use, as described above, inlet air 3039 enters the ENDS 3000 through the inlet ports 3017 and into the vaporization chamber 3026 (perpendicular to the length of the heater) where the inlet air forms a nicotine aerosol 3044. In this embodiment, the air/nicotine aerosol flow is perpendicular to the orientation of the electric heater 3014. The nicotine aerosol 3044 may then be drawn out of the air outlet port 3025 in the reusable nozzle 3024.

In one embodiment shown in fig. 18A and 18B, the ENDS 4000 includes a housing 4016 having a power source (not shown); a reusable nozzle 4024 housing an electric heater 4014, one or more air inlets 4017, and an air outlet 4025; an evaporation chamber 4026; an elongated wick 4030; and a disposable sleeve 4020 that houses a reservoir 4022. The reusable nozzle 4024 is removably attached to the housing 4016 to allow the disposable sleeve 4020 to be placed in the ENDS 4000. The removable nozzle 4024, disposable sleeve 4020, and base plate 4036 form an evaporation chamber 4026 in the assembled ENDS 4000. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ENDS 4000 will require an electrical circuit between the electric heater 4014 (housed in the nozzle 4024) and the power source (housed in the housing 4016). Thus, a releasable electrical connection (not shown) is required between housing 4016 and nozzle 4024. In this embodiment, the electric heater 4014 is mounted on the base plate 4036, and when assembled, the electric heater 4014 is disposed in facing relationship with the disposable sleeve 4020. Thus, in the assembled ENDS 4000, the wick 4030 extends from the reservoir 4022 and into the electric heater 4014. In use, as described above, the inlet air 4039 enters the ENDS 4000 through the inlet port 4017 and into the vaporization chamber 4026 (perpendicular to the length of the heater) where the inlet air forms a nicotine aerosol 4044. In this embodiment, the air/nicotine aerosol flow is perpendicular to the orientation of the electric heater 4014. Nicotine aerosol 4044 may then be withdrawn from the air outlet 4025 in the reusable mouthpiece 4024.

The foregoing description and embodiments have been presented to aid in a complete and non-limiting understanding of the invention disclosed herein. Since many modifications and embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

1. A disposable cartridge (20) for an electronic nicotine delivery system (10) having an electric heater (14), the disposable cartridge comprising:

a) a reservoir (22) containing a nicotine-containing liquid;

b) a port (74) in liquid communication with the reservoir (22);

c) a liquid barrier (76) disposed proximate to the port (74) to prevent undesired leakage of the nicotine-containing liquid from the reservoir (22); and

d) a durable elongated wick (30) arranged and configured to be slidable in the port (74) and to contact the nicotine-containing liquid in the reservoir (22); and

e) an open nozzle (24) disposed distally of the port (74) and at least one outlet conduit operably connected to the nozzle (24) and extending to a location proximate the port (74).

2. The disposable cartridge (20) of claim 1 wherein the durable, elongated wick (30) has an inner bore (50) extending along a longitudinal axis of the durable, elongated wick, and a plurality of longitudinally extending channels (84) defined by longitudinally extending ribs (82) formed on an outer surface of the elongated wick, the channels arranged and configured to transport liquid along the elongated wick (30).

3. The disposable cartridge (20) of claim 2 wherein the inner bore has a diameter greater than a distance separating adjacent longitudinally extending ribs.

4. The disposable cartridge (20) of claim 1 wherein the liquid barrier (76) is disposed around one end of the elongated wick (30).

5. The disposable cartridge (20) of claim 1 wherein the elongated wick (30) is slidable into an electric heater (14) in the electronic nicotine delivery system.

6. The disposable cartridge (20) of claim 1 wherein the durable, elongated wick (30) has a substantially non-porous support and a capillary structure on an outer surface of the wick.

7. The disposable cartridge (20) of claim 1 wherein the durable, elongated wick (30) has a substantially non-porous tubular support and a capillary structure on an outer surface of the wick.

8. A kit for an electronic nicotine delivery system having an electric heater (14), the kit comprising:

a) a disposable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 or 3 or 5 to 7

Wherein the durable elongate wick (30) is slidably insertable into the port (74) to breach the liquid barrier (76) to allow liquid interaction between the solid, elongate wick (30) and the nicotine-containing liquid in the reservoir (22).

9. The kit according to claim 8, wherein the durable, elongated wick (30) has an inner bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the durable, elongated wick, and a plurality of longitudinally extending channels defined by longitudinally extending ribs formed on an outer surface of the elongated wick, the channels being arranged and configured to transport liquid along the elongated wick (30).

10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the diameter of the inner bore is greater than a distance separating adjacent longitudinally extending ribs, wherein the ribs have a height measured from the outer surface of the elongated structure, and the distance separating adjacent longitudinally extending ribs is measured at 90% of the height from the outer surface of the elongated structure.